A rule that would require all new automobiles to include a rearview back-up camera by 2014 has been postponed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It was expected that the new regulation would have been announced today, but instead, the agency said they need to look into the matter more before finalizing it.

CNNMoney says the NHTSA released a statement regarding their decision not to go ahead with the rule.

“The Department remains committed to improving rearview visibility for the nation’s fleet and we expect to complete our work and issue a final rule by December 31, 2012.”

Advocates of the rule say rearview cameras are necessary due to the blind spot drivers can’t see behind their bumpers. The regulation was proposed in 2010, following the 2007 act called the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act. It was named after a 2-year-old boy who was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family’s driveway.

Ami Gadhia, the Senior Policy Counsel for Consumers Union, says the announcement of the rule’s postponement is disappointing.

“We have long championed a rule to improve visibility in and around cars. We’re disappointed the government did not take final action today to address this problem, but we understand they are still on a path forward to issuing a rule this year. We hope that day comes as soon as possible so that rear visibility for all vehicles is improved and needless deaths and injuries are reduced,” she says.

Rearview car camera rules delayed by U.S. [CNNMoney]

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